Three Jews arrested in beating of Palestinians in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Three Jews were arrested in connection with the severe beating of two Palestinians in Jerusalem by a Jewish mob.

The three suspects, between ages 17 and 22, were arrested Wednesday, Haaretz reported. Their identities have not been released.

The two Palestinian victims, both 20-year-old residents of the Bet Hanina neighborhood in eastern Jerusalem, told police they were beaten late Friday night near Neve Yaakov, a Jewish neighborhood of eastern Jerusalem, by a group of Jewish youths. The attack occurred soon after two Jewish teenagers spoke to the men and ascertained that they were Arabs, according to reports.

The victims reportedly said the mob used sticks and iron bars to beat them and that they lost consciousness during the attack. Police took their testimony at the hospital.